Buttock and hip pain

[ironman]

Can't make my mind up whether this is strictly a buttock or a hip pain but I've had it for some 15yrs or so. I'm a long distance Triathlete and have suffered deep hip/buttock pain both during and after running for many years. I trained for an Ironman triathlon 2 years ago after a fairly lengthy rest from competitive running (1 year) and amazingly had few problems with the mileage, however this month I've turned up the mileage once again and the pain is back. Hard to describe but it is very deep in my left hip, right at the top of my hamstring, when running I can control my leg lift to approx 20 degrees then literally tend to throw my left leg up and forward to gain any distance. It's painful and causes me great discomfort when sitting/walking for 2 to 3 days after exercise. I've tried all the hip flexor/Glute stretches but to no avail. Booked in with a physio soon (again!) for some deep massage. I tend to think it's a hamstring problem but it is so very deep I wonder if I have torn something else within the complex hip joint. Anyone help ??

[Heidi]

Hi

You're right that it could be a few different things. The most common possibilities include hamstring origin tendinitis:

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/back/buttocks/hamstring_tendinitis.htm

Piriformis syndrome:
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/back/buttocks/piriformis.htm

and ischiogluteal bursitis:

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/back/buttocks/ischiogluteal_bursitis.htm

Have a look at these and see if the symptoms etc match yours. But you have def done the right thing to book in with the physio. Make sure you get a proper assessment and not just a massage though!

[ironman]

Thanks Heidi, the Ischial Tuberosity is exactly where I feel the pain. Will take this to the physio as a starter for 10. Thanks again.